Jeanne Garrett

Obituary For Jeanne Garrett

Viewing

Wednesday 02/19/2025 10:00am

Calvary Baptist Church
66 S. Grove Street
East Orange, NJ 07018
973-676-6467

Floral Arrangements should be delivered to the church.

Funeral Service

Wednesday 02/19/2025 11:00am

Calvary Baptist Church
66 S. Grove Street
East Orange, NJ 07018
973-676-6467

Interment

GLENDALE CEMETERY
BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003

Jeanne Lucille Garrett (Savage)

Jeanne Lucille Savage was born on November 7, 1931, in Newark, NJ, to the late Sherman Savage and Ada Lucille Brown Savage (Ross). The late George Ross became her stepfather when he married Ada Lucille Brown. Jeanne answered the Call of the Lord and peacefully transitioned on February 13, 2025, at Cornell Care and Rehabilitation Center in Union, NJ.

Jeanne’s early childhood started on Bragaw Avenue in Newark. She began her educational journey in the Newark Public School System and continued her education in East Orange Public Schools after moving with her mother to Halstead Street. It was there she met the love of her life, William Isom Garrett. After a whirlwind romance, they eloped and were married on May 4, 1949, in Elkton, Maryland. Together, they raised six children: Ricky, Toni, Pat, Steven "Roddy", Randy, and Mia. The family first lived at 72 Sterling Street in East Orange before settling into a home at 24 North 16th Street in East Orange.

Jeanne dedicated herself to her family as a stay-at-home wife and mother until she began working as a Bible School Teacher at Bethesda Roosevelt Lutheran Church on North 5th Street in Newark. She later worked as a salesclerk at Bamberger’s in Newark for many years before retiring to care for her beloved husband, William, until his passing. Jeanne returned to work after his passing, taking positions at Petty’s Pharmacy Drug Store in Newark, where she was known as the “Picket Machine Lady,” and Sears in Livingston Mall.

Jeanne was affectionately known by several nicknames, but she was mostly called Fifi by her family and friends. In addition to Fifi, she was also lovingly referred to as Peanut, Missy, and Basimah. She enjoyed hobbies such as solving crossword puzzles, making ceramics, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, playing 500 Gin Rummy, Pinocle, and cooking. Her potato salad, apple pie, and sweet potato pie became legendary—so delicious that they’d make you, "wanna slap your momma!" She also had a deep love for music, frequently listening to artists like Barbara Streisand, The Bee Gees, Barry White, The Commodores, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Nat King Cole, Kenny Rogers, Patti LaBelle, and many others. However, her all-time favorite artist was Johnny Mathis, especially songs like "Misty," "Chances Are," and "Simple." Jeanne and her sister/friend, Francis, never missed a Johnny Mathis concert in Atlantic City.

Jeanne was a woman of steadfast faith. She was a member of several churches throughout her life, including Bethesda Roosevelt Lutheran Church in Newark, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in East Orange, Imani Baptist Church in East Orange, and New Life Baptist Church in Bloomfield. Even when she couldn’t attend in person, she remained spiritually connected by watching televised services from Frederick K. Price echoing 2 Corinthians 5:7- "We Walk by faith, not by sight” and services from Joel Osteen. She often recited the simple yet profound prayer, “Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins, come into my heart, I make you my Lord and Savior,” believing it made her “born again.” Jeanne was also a survivor—having conquered breast cancer, multiple strokes, and COVID-19—by the grace of her unwavering faith in the Lord.

For several years, Jeanne was lovingly cared for by her granddaughter Tameika (Tammi), who graciously opened her heart and home to ensure Jeanne received the support and care she needed. During this time, her great-grandchildren (Tammi's children), particularly Nia, also played a vital role in her care. They helped by giving her medicine, fixing her meals, and providing companionship, demonstrating the love and support that ran through the family. She was later admitted to the long-term care facility at Cornell Care and Rehabilitation Center, where she spent her final days surrounded by the love of her family and the peace of her faith.

Jeanne was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Isom Garrett, her daughter, Patricia Diane Garrett Waters, grandsons Ronnie James Garrett, William ElRico Garrett, Jr. “Little Ricky”, and Dr.Steven D. Garrett “Doc”, and her sister/friend Francis Harold. She leaves behind her children: William “Rick” Garrett (Sharon M.), Sharon Toni Garrett, Steven R. Garrett, Randy M. Garrett (Carla), Mia Allison Garrett, Son-in-law Luther Tojo Waters, and 7th child Tameika Garrett-Ward (Sheldon); 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Lillian Wright and Delores Garrett; her sister/friend, Alice Webb (and family); and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jeanne leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, faith, laughter, and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory continue to inspire those she touched.

Download funeral program